Details

Race

Start

There is one start at 7:00 A.M. for all runners and walkers. BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC, POLICE CONTROL AND LOGISTIC SUPPORT COURSE MONITORS WILL DISQUALIFY ANYONE WHO STARTS BEFORE 7:00 A.M

(For specific Marathon Weekend information and details go to MARATHON WEEKEND above, or click here.)

Splits and Marking

Split times will be called at all miles as well as at various kilometer points. Pace calls will also be made. The course will be clearly marked and monitors will be at all major intersections. Mile markers will be painted on the pavement before the race and large mile marker signs will mark each mile during the race. Balloons also mark mile locations.

Aid Stations

Located less than every 2 miles, approximately 19 aid stations will feature water and replacement drinks. This year, the marathon will be serving Ultima Replenisher, a mineral replacement, along the course. Ultima Replenisher is a balanced electrolyte drink that does not contain artificial ingredients or sugar and goes well with gels and other carb sources. The advantage of Ultima when running is the minimal processed carb formula allows for rapid absorption of the electrolytes, without stomach upset. The electrolytes, which are minerals such as calcium and magnesium, allow us to maintain our oxygen utilization and energy. Lemonade Ultima will be the flavor on the course 10-10-10. As always, to ensure carbo replacement, we will be offering 5 or 6 gummy bear stations, and two gel stations (11.5 miles and 17.5 miles) supplied by Liquid Gold made by GloryBeeFoods.

Volunteers for aid stations are recruited from businesses, school groups, service clubs and non-profit organizations who compete for awards; including the best organized, best decorated, and most enthusiastic aid stations.

NOTE: Aid stations are designed to provide aid to those within the 8 hour pace. Food is not served on the course. Slower walkers are encouraged to carry water bottles and other necessary food supplements.

Rest Rooms and Showers

There will be plenty of portable toilets at the start and finish and at a number of points along the race course. Locations will be marked with signs. At the start, portable toilets are located at the rear of the line-up area, (south of SW Jefferson Street). Look for the yellow balloons.

There are no showers or dressing room facilities in the area of the start and finish.

Traffic

The majority of the course will be totally closed to vehicular traffic. The last 7 miles have sidewalks on either side of the street which may be used easily and comfortably by runners and walkers who fall behind a seven and one-half-hour pace. Those falling behind this pace will find appropriate markings on the sidewalk and be helped by monitors, some on bikes. For slower participants after 12:00 noon an alternative certified route will be used for the last 4 miles of the course for reasons of safety.

Medical

Medical aid points along the course at aid stations and at the finish will be equipped with limited medical assistance, tape, band-aids, space kits, and Vaseline. Ambulance service will be available and roving vehicles will transport non-finishers to the finish area from aid stations when necessary. Look for the red balloons that mark these locations.

Communications

Volunteer ham radio units from the Portland Amateur Radio Club will be used. Motorized units with radios will be stationed along the route for up-to-the-second reporting of the race and for emergencies.

The Chip

In 2008 the Portland Marathon introduced the use of the Chrono Track chip timing system. Chip timing included the start, 10k, 10 mile, half marathon, 20 mile, 35 km and finish splits. Chip timing is removed from the course at an 8 hour pace. The chip is also used to facilitate the calling of names of runners and walkers as they cross the finish line. We are proud to call out the names of over 97% of our finishers!